GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Wiper System Description

The windshield wiper system includes the following components:

    • 2 wiper inserts
    • 2 wiper blades
    • 2 wiper arms
    • The wiper motor
    • The wiper motor linkage
    • The windshield wiper/washer switch lever

Object Number: 473476  Size: SH

The wiper/washer switch lever controls the wiper system. The switch lever is located on the right side of the steering column. The switch lever is not available as a individual component and must be serviced as an assembly as part of the inflatable restraint module coil. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Replacement in SIR.

The wiper circuit ensures that the wiper blades will automatically return to the normal park position when the wiper switch lever is moved to OFF.

Interval (Pulse) System Operation

With the front wiper washer switch in the INT position, battery voltage applies to the following components:

    • The WIP fuse
    • The Intermittent Controller
    • The INT Time switch
    • The low side of the front wiper motor.

The length of the delay time between sweeps is controlled by the INT TIME switch setting. The INT TIME switch contains a variable resistor which is connected to the Intermittent Controller IC. The delay between sweeps is adjustable from SLOW, approximately 12 seconds, to FAST, approximately 4 seconds.

Low Speed System Operation

With the ignition switch in the ON or the START position and the front wiper/washer switch in the LO position, battery voltage applies through the following components:

    • The WIP fuse
    • The LO contacts of the front wiper/washer switch
    • The low side of the front wiper motor

Since the front wiper motor permanently grounds at G104, the motor operates at low speed as long as the switch remains in the LO position. When the switch is placed in the OFF position, the pawl and switch assembly provides voltage to the motor until the wipers are in the park position.

High Operation

With the ignition switch in the ON or the START position and the front wiper/washer switch in the HI position, battery voltage applies through the following components:

    • The WIP fuse
    • The HI contacts of the front wiper/washer switch
    • The high side of the front wiper motor

Since the front wiper motor permanently grounds at G104, the motor operates at high speed as long as the switch remains in the HI position. When the switch is placed in the OFF position, the pawl and switch assembly provides voltage to the motor until the wipers are in the park position.

Washer System Description

The windshield washer system includes the following components:

    • The washer solvent container
    • The washer pump which is attached to the washer solvent container
    • The washer nozzle hoses
    • The 2 washer nozzles
    • The windshield wiper/washer switch

The washer solvent container is mounted on the left fender, behind the left headlamp.

Washer System Operation

With the ignition switch in the ON or the START position, actuate the windshield washer system by pulling the windshield wiper/washer switch lever toward the driver. When the switch lever is pulled back, battery voltage applies through the wash switch contacts to the front washer pump. The front washer pump permanently grounds at G104 and will operate as long as the wash switch is engaged. In order to initiate wiper operation, battery voltage is also applied to the OFF contacts of the front wiper/washer switch through these components:

    • Wash switch contacts
    • The Intermittent Controller IC

This action applies voltage to the low side of the front wiper motor. The front wiper motor permanently grounds at G104. The motor will continue to operate in LO as long as the wash switch is engaged.

The front wiper motor pawl and switch will engage as the motor turns, and the contacts will remain closed until the wipers are in the park position. While the pawl and switch contacts are closed, voltage applies to the low side of the front wiper motor through these components:

    • The WIP fuse
    • The OFF contacts of the front wiper/washer switch
    • The front wiper motor pawl and switch contacts

This action allows the wipers to complete at least one sweep after the wash switch has been released.